A first-of-its-kind wastewater analysis commissioned by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has uncovered evidence of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and small-scale clandestine drug laboratories operating in Kenya, marking a significant shift in the country’s drug landscape.
The study, conducted in 12 hotspot counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret, analysed 152 samples and confirmed the presence of three NPS: alpha-ethyltryptamine, benzofurans, and synthetic cathinones, often marketed as “bath salts.”
Researchers also detected methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), and tryptamine-based psychedelics such as psilocybin and DMT as emerging psychoactive substances.
Speaking on the findings, NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Omerikwa warned that Kenya is witnessing a dangerous evolution in drug use patterns.
“This study provides concrete evidence that synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances are gaining a foothold in our communities. The detection of clandestine laboratory activity related to methamphetamine, MDMA, and synthetic cathinones is particularly alarming,” Dr. Omerikwa said.
He added: “We must move beyond traditional plant-based drug enforcement and urgently establish a National Wastewater Drug Surveillance and Early Warning System to detect and respond to these emerging threats before they escalate further.”
The analysis also identified dangerous adulterants in common illicit drugs. Heroin samples were found to contain caffeine, dextromethorphan, chloroquine, and diazepam.
In contrast, cocaine samples were cut with levamisole, a veterinary drug linked to severe immune suppression, as well as ketamine and racemethorphan.
Dr. Omerikwa emphasized the public health implications: “The presence of adulterants like levamisole and ketamine significantly increases overdose risks and toxicity. We are calling on the Ministry of Health to establish an Adulterant Alert System and scale up naloxone distribution programs to reduce opioid-related deaths.”
Poly-drug use emerged as another critical concern, with users commonly combining heroin with diazepam or cannabis, and alcohol with flunitrazepam (Rohypnol).
The study recommended that the Ministry of Health revise national treatment guidelines to transition from single substance to integrated poly-drug management models.
Other key recommendations include strengthening the Government Chemist’s forensic capabilities, introducing precursor chemical tracking to disrupt supply chains, and launching targeted prevention campaigns in universities and nightlife settings.
“The rapid emergence of NPS demands flexible scheduling laws and real-time data integration through the National Drug Observatory,” Dr. Omerikwa added. “Without urgent action, Kenya risks being overwhelmed by a synthetic drug crisis mirroring other regions.”
The full report is available through NACADA.
